PC Troughton said that Harrogate police had noticed an increase in the use of legal highs in recent months.

He said: “It is a trend, they come and go, a few years ago it was Ketamine, now it is these legal highs.”

Three patrols were carried out in the lead up to Christmas.

Although no arrests were made numerous stop and searches were conducted and discarded wraps/bags containing trace elements of drugs were found.

K9 Patrol operations director, Lee Chandler said: “The purpose of the patrols is to send the message that drug use on a night out in the town is not wanted. Any prevention no matter how big or small is a positive outcome of the operation.

“The feedback we receive from the public on their nights out is really positive, and the sight of such a team is very much welcomed by the majority.”